Meet the site
Pilbara Dive and Tours lists Crocodile Cove among Lake Argyle dive sites, describing it as home to Johnston River freshwater crocodiles — timid, not man-eaters — plus terrapins and fish. Exact location and depth are not published.
About Lake Argyle: the lake was created when the Ord River Dam was completed in 1971–72, flooding the Durack family's Argyle Downs station. When full it holds about 10.7 billion cubic metres — more than 18 times Sydney Harbour — and has more than 70 islands. The lakebed is very fine silt that is easily disturbed and slow to settle, so perfect buoyancy is essential, and divers should use lines or stay in contact with structures. Johnston River (freshwater) crocodiles are common along the shores but timid; saltwater crocodiles are not expected in the lake. It is a genuinely unusual Australian dive — a drowned outback station — best suited to experienced, self-reliant divers.
Planning notes: Open Water certification is recommended and the site is rated advanced. Expect to spend most of the dive around 5 m, with a maximum of about 10 m. Access is by boat only, and site selection depends on wind, swell and tide on the day. Best season: May–October (dry season). Traffic: rarely dived (private boat/club only).
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Crocodile Cove (Lake Argyle) is recorded as Freshwater Lake/River in Broome & Kimberley. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Crocodile Cove (Lake Argyle) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Crocodile Cove (Lake Argyle) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Freshwater crocodiles, terrapins, freshwater fish
Location
Lake Argyle cove noted for Johnston River freshwater crocodiles, terrapins and fish.
Facilities nearby
Lake Argyle Resort (Pannikin Bay): boat ramp, caravan park, infinity pool, café, fuel. No air fills – bring filled cylinders from elsewhere.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
pilbaradiveandtours.com.audivingwawrecks.comdivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.